How to Give Your Valentine a Gift They Won’t Forget

Jan 292010
 

Tired of giving chocolates, roses and teddy bears every February 14? Break out of the Valentine’s Day hum-drum and give your sweetie something truly original. Here’s a whole list of Valentine gift ideas that they won’t soon forget.

Cupcake of the Month

Sign your sweetheart up for the cupcake of the month club. It’s a gift that keeps on giving so there is no way they’ll forget how much you love them. Every month they’ll receive a yummy treat: two cupcakes in a jar from the Bangerang Bake Shop. And if you’re lucky maybe they’ll share one with you!

Love Print

Give your honey this “Love Candy” print and let them hang it prominently in your home. That way they’ll remember how much they are loved all year long– not just on V-Day.

Plant a Tree

Mark your growing love by planting a tree in your yard, your favorite park or somewhere special. Watch the tree grow over the years, just as your love grows.

Love Pencils

These lovely pencils from Olive Manna feature phrases like “Love is Patient & Kind” and “Love is Like the Morning Mist.” Pick up a set of three for just $4 and your special someone will think of you with every word they write.

Coupon Book

Get crafty and make your Valentine a coupon book. Make sure each coupon is something they will appreciate. Let them cash in a coupon each month for the next year.

The Five Love Languages

Pick up a copy of The Five Love Languages and give it to your Valentine. Don’t let the gift end there– commit to reading it together and figuring out what each of your love languages are. Then determine how you can speak your sweetie’s language of love.

Reasons I Love You Stones

Pick up a bag of stones from RedEnvelope.com. Each one is etched with a reason for your love. Messages include “I love you… for always getting my jokes” and “I love you…because you’re an inspiration.” Or you could use this idea as inspiration for making your own list of reasons you love your significant other.

An Unforgettable Experience

Shared experiences can help a couple draw closer together. Give your Valentine an experience they’ve always dreamed of like riding in a race car or floating in a hot air balloon. And make sure it’s something you can enjoy together.

Their Name in a Book

Well-known author Karen Kingsbury is giving fans a chance to be in her next book. Anyone who donates a minimum of $100 to the Kate McRae Fund can have their name or the name of someone they love acknowledged in the book where Kate will be a character. Not only will you be supporting this little girl’s battle with cancer, but you’ll be giving your Valentine a memorable gift.

Resolutions for 2010: How to Spend Less on Gifts

Jan 072010
 

Spend Less on Gifts in 2010 (Image courtesy of MarcinMoga)

Let’s face it — we can’t all be like Oprah, handing out hundreds of cashmere sweaters, diamond bracelets or spa getaways to our friends. While it would be fun to give extravagantly and not be forced to think about our credit card debt or how we’re going to pay for our child’s college tuition, it’s just not realistic for most of us. And if you’ve resolved to save money in 2010, your gift giving budget can be a good place to do it. Here are some tips for spending less on gifts.

Plan Ahead

There’s no quicker way to mess up your gift giving budget than to wait until the last minute. In an attempt to find the perfect gift you’ll likely end up spending way more than you intended. Pick up a handy birthday book like this one from Barnes and Noble that will help you remember important dates year-after-year. Take a moment to review it before the start of each month. Make a list of the gifts you need to pick up so you have plenty of time to shop for the best item at the best price.

Set a Budget

Do you always make a budget when buying gifts? If your answer is no, then you should be. Consider factors like the relationship you have with the recipient and the occasion you’re celebrating. Once you set your budget stick to it!

Research

If you’ve got a gift in mind, start researching it in order to find the best price. Use sites like PriceGrabber.com or DealTime.com to search for specific products and find out which retailer is offering the lowest price. You’ll also want to check out the shopping portal Ebates.com to see if you can earn any cash back on you purchase. It’s free to join and easy to use.

Enter Giveaways

Bloggers are always giving away great gifts. Throw your name into the hat and you could win items that would make great gifts throughout the year without spending any money. Be sure to check out the Giveaways page right here at 1HappyCorner.com.

Save on the Card

Another way to spend less on gifts is by spending less on the greeting card. Invest in a variety pack of assorted greeting cards like this one at PaperCards.com. Rather than forking over three or four dollars on a card, you’ll spend just $.62 a card. In all that’s a savings of at least $57 on cards alone! With savings like that you’ll be well on your way to achieving your resolution of spending less on gifts in 2010.

Clever Aromatherapy Candles

Dec 312009
 

GIFTS THAT SAY I KNOW YOU

The best gift of all is the one that says I know you. Finding that perfect, thoughtful gift just got a little easier. Aromatherapy Interventions has blended the science of scent with insights into the modern mind to create a candle line perfect for every personality, mood and occasion. These are gifts your friends will get!

APPLIED TO EVERY MIND, MOOD AND OCCASION

Aromatherapy Interventions Soy Candles are true aromacology applied to life— the milestones like her 30th, 40th, or 50th birthday, the moments, the passages and the parties, the housewarmings and the heart-warmings, the sick days, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and the days of heaven (Unwedded Bliss) all wrapped in the perfect gift; a personal expression of friendship, and a wonderful experience in scent.

Rachel Machacek, columnist for the Washing ton Post had such an experience:

“When I burned the Aromatherapy Interventions’ Panic Attack soy candle right before a tough-love conversation,  I actually felt my nerves release and my throat unclench—I was kicking back on my couch surrounded by the woodsy scent of  frankincense…”

Got a shopaholic friend in recovery? Aromatherapy Interventions Withdrawal candle is not only clever, it’s fact: geranium and clary sage help lessen the anxiety of withdrawal. Shopping gifts for geeks? The Essences of Eucalyptus and Ginger in the Aromatherapy Interventions Left Brain Candle “stimulate logic and intellect.” Need a gift for the host? Bring the Feng Shui-ology candle and warm any home with the clearing scent of clary sage.

Whether it’s get well gifts or thank you gifts, employee, co-worker or Teacher Appreciation, or just thinking-of-you, an Aromatherapy Interventions soy candle says: I looked for something clever, unique and thoughtful—just for you.

S P O N S O R E D  P O S T

How to Stuff a Stocking

Dec 202009
 
Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up!

Stockings Still Empty? Fill Them Up! (Image Courtesy of Dawnzy58)

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but if they’re empty this post should help. Christmas is rapidly approaching and chances are you’ve got a lot on your to-do list, including picking up some stocking stuffers. Need some inspiration? Here are some tips and ideas on how to stuff that stocking in time for Christmas.

Candy

Candy always makes a good stocking stuffer. Jelly Belly offers a great selection of unique candy in over 50 flavors. This is a great way to start a tradition, too. Pick a treat and put it in the stocking year after year. May we suggest Fruit Gems?

Coal

As the old story goes, anyone who’s been more naughty than nice can expect coal in their stocking. Play a Christmas morning joke on your loved ones by filling their stocking with coal. Of course this coal is actually blackberry bubble gum and comes packaged with cute quotes like “because you’ve been very bad” and “It’s all you get.”

Activity Books

Stuff your stockings with activity books that will be perfect during that relaxing time after Christmas dinner. Choose small books like Sudoku, word finds or crossword puzzles. These are good fillers for just about every stocking hanging on your fireplace.While you’re at it, throw in a pack of playing cards to keep everyone occupied before dinner, too.

Socks

Throw a little irony into Christmas morning and stuff socks into your stockings. These Christmas Tree Pom Slipper Socks from Sears are the perfect blend of festive and tacky.

Funny Trinkets

Give everybody something to laugh at when they unpack their stocking Christmas morning. How about stashing in some astronaut ice cream, a mic sponge for singing in the shower, or a hot dog coin purse. Chances are these funny little stocking stuffers will be what your loved ones remember most about Christmas morning.

Snowman Gift Ideas

Dec 132009
 

Christmas Character Mugs

Grab your favorite holiday character and enjoy a mug filled with something warm and delicious on a cold winter night. Choose snowman penguin Santa or reindeer design. You can personalize your mugs with any name up to 9 characters. Ceramic mugs hold 14 oz. Hand wash.

Price: $4.98 each or $19.97 for a set of 4.

 

snowman soap gift set Snowman and Snowflakes Soap Gift Set

Our favorite winter soap gift set from MagicSenses.com: a cute little snowman and two beautiful snowflakes in an elegant, branded gift box. It makes the perfect Christmas gift.

Handcrafted from vegetable glycerin soap.

Price: $17

 

 

Snowman Aprons (set of 2)

Delightful mother-and-daughter aprons are ideal for holiday baking! 100% cotton aprons with cute snowman appliqués.

Buy separately or save $1.99 and buy both. Machine wash. Imported.

Price $26.99

 

 

 

 

Snowman Bathroom Set

Dress your toilet in holiday style with this plush 100% acrylic lid cover and contour rug. Rug with non-skid backing is 22″ x 23 1/2″; lid cover is 15″ x 16 1/2″; with elastic anchors fits standard lids. Machine wash. 2-piece set.

Price: $21.99

 

 

 

 

 
Ty® Snow Much Love Personalized Snowman

Let this lovable plush snowman warm your heart this holiday season. He’s dressed for winter weather in his soft blue fleece hat with white yarn pom-pom and shimmering velvet swirl trim and coordinating scarf. An ice blue t-shirt completes the look – perfect to enjoy and snuggle with during the holidays and all year through!

It measures a full 14″ long featuring movable arms and legs. His plump little tummy and super soft fur makes him perfect for snuggling all year through! Features a bean bag bottom, hands and feet as well as bead eyes and a 3-D plush “carrot nose.”

Price: $24.50
 

Snowman Family Kitchen Personalized Cutting Board

Make the Holidays and family get togethers extra special with this gift. Your finest Christmas dinner will carve to perfection on this unique and colorful Personalized Snow Family Cutting Board. This heat resistant glass cutting surface is dish washer safe. Includes self-adhesive rubber feet. You can even personalize it by choosing a custom message on top and bottom.

Price: $32.95

 

 

Snowman Clock

Large clock on wooden base has easy-to-read numbers. Snowman sports a fleecy white body. Runs on 1 AA battery; not included. 12″ x 18″.

Price: $14.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

SnowmanChristmas Stocking

Make Santa’s job a little easier with Christmas stockings! A great way to make each child feel extra special, these stockings make great gifts, too. 100% polyester; 20″ long.

Price: $8

Gifts for Majesties of the Kitchen Domain

Dec 112009
 

Have you ever gone to someone’s home for a party, and noticed that all the guests have congregated in the kitchen? For those who love to cook, a well designed and decorated kitchen can be the heart of their home. If this sounds like someone you’re shopping for, here are some gifts to consider.

  

Blackbird Baked in a Pie

Remember the old nursery rhyme about “four and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie”? Well, this pie dish is a simply charming depiction of that event that is sure to put some grins on faces. To meet the needs of a discerning baker, the dish and bird are both made from oven and dishwasher safe, ceramic stoneware. 

 

 

Napa-inspired Cruets Set

If the cook you’re shopping for also happens to enjoy a good glass of wine, then this cruet set is could be the perfect gift for them. Fill the outer part of the container with extra virgin olive oil, and the inner part with balsamic vinaigrette to make this useful condiment dispenser look like a bunch of ripe grapes hanging in the sun. Best of all, it’s a set of two, so they can keep one in the kitchen and another in the dinning room.

 

 

Infusion Pitcher

Lemon water, raspberry ice tea, strawberry limeade, sangria, mojitos, and more! A true foodie knows that drinks have as much opportunity for culinary mastery as food. This pitcher is specially designed to allow the essences of fruit and, for the daring, herbs to infuse into a drink. Unlike a punch bowl, this pitcher is easy to store and keeps drinks free of floating debris, like pulp and leaves.

How to Prepare Early for Holiday Gift-Giving

Oct 232009
 

Before you know it the holidays will be here. From family events to special gatherings, schedules will be filled will lots of extra demands. Want to make this Christmas season stress-free? Then start preparing for holiday gift-giving early with these simple tips.

Make a List

First things first– grab a pen, a piece of paper and get to work. Make a list of all of the people you know you need to buy gifts for. Talk it over with your significant other to make sure you’re not leaving off any important names.

Brainstorm

Now that you’ve got your list, start brainstorming gift ideas. A sweater for Aunt Rita, a book for Uncle Joe, and maybe a new video game for your nephew. Come up with several ideas for each person on your list. When you’re not focused on one idea shopping will be a lot easier. Go high tech with your planning and budgeting by using an iPhone app like Better Christmas List. That way your list will always be with you and you’ll be able to track your spending when you start shopping for those on your Christmas list.

Start Shopping

Now for the fun part– start shopping! Rather than rushing around just before your deadline, start this step as early as possible. Keep an open mind when running errands or walking through the mall. Don’t leave all of your shopping to be done at once. Taking care of it over time will make it more fun, less stressful and easier on your budget.

Get Crafty

Perhaps you’ve decided to go handmade with some of your gift giving this Christmas. Making gifts is a great way to save money, but it’s done best when you give yourself plenty of time. Since you’ve started your Christmas gift-giving early, you’ve got lots of time to get crafty.

Buy Extra

Chances are there are people who have inadvertently been left off your list while planning. Buy a few extra gifts– perhaps candles, body lotion or a DVD. Keep the items flexible so they can be given to a wide variety of people who may pop up on your list as Christmas approaches.

How to Get Rewarded for Buying Gifts

Oct 012009
 
Give Love and Receive Some, Too

Give Love and Receive Some, Too (Image Courtesy of Coco+Kelley)

Buying gifts isn’t about you– it’s about the person you’re giving the present to. But let’s be honest, it’s nice to get something in return when shopping for others. Here are a few ways to get rewarded for buying gifts.

Get Cash Back

There are several online sites that offer cash back when you make purchases. Check out Ebates.com and Cashbaq.com. When you buy gifts on partner websites you’ll get one, two, even ten percent cash back. And cash is always a nice reward for giving gifts.

Get a Free Gift with Purchase

Getting a free gift with a purchase is just an added bonus for buying a great gift. Cosmetics departments are probably best known for using the free gift with purchase offer. Check out  these deals from Neiman Marcus and Sephora for examples on how to score free make-up, perfume and more when you buy a gift.

Look for Buy-One-Get-One Deals

One for me, one for you! With buy one get one free deals you and your gift recipient will get a great present. Check out this buy one get one free Blu-ray movie deal from Best Buy. You’ll get a movie you like and so will your loved one.

Use Points Programs

Plenty of stores and websites have points programs. The more you buy from them, the more points you accrue. And when you gather up enough points you get rewards like free stuff and exclusive deals. Check out MyPoints.com for a points program that let’s you combine points from purchases at a variety of retailers so that you earn rewards like gift cards and electronics.

Buy More at One Time

Sometimes when you buy more the discount is bigger. Look for gifts where you can get rewarded by purchasing more than one like at Figis.com. They’ve got lots of great treats like Smokehouse Sticks, Creamy Country Spreads and Creamy Pecan Logs that get cheaper when you buy more.

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Don’t forget to check out our Coupons page!

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Prepara Power Plant Mini

Sep 302009
 

ppminiPrepara power plant mini is automated  indoor gardening at your fingertips.  The power plant mini is the best way to get you to grow your own herbs, indoors, and without having a green thumb.  Unlike other indoor growing devices, it doesn’t require soil or a plant light, just a sunny spot, like the kitchen window.  In three weeks, you have fresh herbs and you will feel like a gourmet chef. This makes a great gift for a real or aspiring chef, or those who want to start eating healthier. Also, makes a great gift for kids who want to start gardening.

contentsPower Plant mini lets you grow any herb, fruit, or plant you want anytime of year.  All you have to provide is the seed of your choice, tap or distilled water is mixed with the nutrients provided and poured over the seed sponge, into the water reserve.  Seeds are then placed in the sponge, no soil need, and the unit is plugged into an outlet, because this machine dispenses the nutrients and water automatically, so there is no need to remember or worry.  The seeds are covered with the strip provided and once sprouting begins, the humidadomes are placed over the seedlings, and removed once the plant gets bigger.  With a typical herb, like basil, you can have fresh herbs within three weeks.  With the power plant mini, plants grow up to 50% faster versus a potted plant. Unit comes with all the tools you need to have two crops.

Dimensions: 8.7 x 7 x 2.8 inches. 1.3 pounds.
Price: $35.99

Check out Amazon.com for more information.

DailyOM Book

Sep 262009
 

If you are a fan of the popular website DailyOM or looking for an inspirational gift for a friend or family member, the DailyOM Book is just for you.  As a companion to the website, DailyOM co-founder Madisyn Taylor created DailyOM: Inspirational Thoughts for a Happy, Healthy, and Fulfilling Day as a guide to find balance and wellness in your daily life.

DailyOMIn this book you can find various topics to make each day a little less stressful, more happier, and more fulfilling.  Made to be read for a few minutes each day, the book promotes awareness and self-discovery with topics that make you think about yourself and the world at large. Topics vary from meditation, relationships, nature, and more, in an effort to make life more meaningful.  The daily inspirational readings were created to deliver messages of awareness, healing, and well-being.

This book is a great gift for college students, stay at home moms, basically anyone who is making changes or experiences difficulties in their life and is trying to make it better, or at least less chaotic.   300 pages.

Price $10.95

Available on the DailyOM website or Amazon.com.

About DailyOM

DailyOM intention is to share positive messages of consciousness and awareness on a daily basis (weekday).  Subject vary and focus on a holistic approach to living.  The website features a daily positive message as well as provide an online community and marketplace for those seeking more information and products that contribute and aid in the nurturing of the mind, body, and spirit.  To find out more check out the DailyOM website at DailyOM.com.

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